January is

Birth
Defects
Awareness
Month

Birth defects, or congenital anomalies, affect one in every 33 babies born in the United States and are a leading cause of infant death. Babies who survive and live with birth defects have a higher risk for developing many lifelong challenges related to their body and mind as well as social challenges. Medical care and support services only scrape the surface of the financial and emotional needs for those living with birth defects. Birth defects come in all shapes and sizes, and there are literally hundreds of types of birth defects. Common examples include Down syndrome, cleft lip and palate, and heart defects.

Birth Defects are

Common

One in 33 U.S. babies is born with a major birth defect each year.

Costly

The yearly hospital costs for birth defects exceed $2.6 billion.

Critical

1 in 5 infant deaths is due to birth defects, making them a leading cause of infant mortality.

Prevention

Healthy women have healthier babies! Not all birth defects can be prevented, but there are some keys to reducing the risk. Women of child bearing age can reduce their risk by:

Materials

Infographics

Additional Resources